(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-28 00:44

7. Climate change catches more world attention

UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change noted in the last part of its fourth assessment report released on November 17 that global warming is an unquestioned fact. The issue of climate change has on the top agenda in many international conferences in 2007.

The UN Conference on Climate Change, held in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on December 3-15, approved the "Bali Roadmap," which agreed on a clear negotiating agenda and a timetable for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission after 2012 when the current phase of the Kyoto Protocol expires.

Developing countries, including China, agreed that the negotiation on climate change should be carried out within the UN framework under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

8. ASEAN Charter signed

Leaders of the 10 member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the ASEAN Charter on November 20 at its 13th summit in Singapore.

The charter, for the first time established ASEAN's legal and institutional framework. It is a historic milestone in the process of ASEAN integration as it is the first legally binding document for all ASEAN members since the group was founded 40 years ago.

The charter will take effect 30 days after the last member state submits its ratification documents.

9. World sees sustained high oil price

The world witnessed sustained oil price hike until November 21, when the light crude for January delivery surged to its all-time high of 99.29 US dollars a barrel on New York Mercantile Exchange.

The closing price of the crude oil futures ever fell to 87.49 dollars a barrel on December 5. But since then, it remained at high prices and fluctuated around 90 dollars per barrel.

The main forces behind the oil price hike are the strong demand and relatively short supply of the crude, speculation, the depreciation of US dollar, and unstable geopolitical situation of some oil producers.

10. Israeli-Palestine peace process resumed

US-hosted International Conference on Middle East Peace was held on November 27 in Annapolis, Maryland.

Shortly before the conference, Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to what was called a joint understanding to launch good faith negotiations from November 28 to end a conflict that has endured for six decades.

The two sides committed themselves to negotiating a peace treaty by the end of 2008.

At the conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi explained China's stance on the Middle East issues.

The conference, with broad involvement of the international community, will play a positive role in the Israeli-Palestine peace process. However, it is widely believed that the peace process is still fraught with grave difficulties.  The

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